Chapter 52
Originally, Warner Bros. planned to shoot the "Dark Knight" trilogy consecutively, releasing each installment separately. However, after completing the first two films, they hit financial difficulties and ran out of funds. Warner had hoped that Nolan, known for his dedication to practical effects, would save money on CGI, but his commitment to real-life shooting proved just as costly—if not more so—than digital effects. The construction of many scenes and props ended up rivaling the costs of special effects production.
Warner executives had an urgent overnight meeting with Nolan, suggesting that some scenes could be filmed in a green screen studio, with post-production handling the rest. Nolan, however, was adamant:
"The current level of special effects doesn't meet my standards. I have a clear vision for this film. If you don't agree, then find someone else."
With more than half of the film already shot, replacing Nolan would have been even more troublesome. Reluctantly, Warner continued to fund the production but had to suspend the third installment, "The Dark Knight Rises," until the box office revenues from the first two films could be recouped. The first two films alone had already cost a staggering $320 million—$130 million for "Batman Begins" and $190 million for "The Dark Knight."
Hollywood insiders called Warner crazy, comparing it to the success of "Spider-Man" and questioning the massive investment. In response, Xu Can, one of the film's producers, said in a media interview:
"'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' cost $342 million and grossed $960 million. Each Batman movie costs less than $200 million, and the box office might surpass even that."
Xu Can's remarks earned him the label of "arrogant Asian" in Hollywood, but after a public bet with film critic Howard Newberg, no one dared to challenge Xu Can. The video of Newberg's infamous swim was still circulating on YouTube, turned into various memes by content creators.
Only the New York Times took a skeptical tone in its entertainment column:
"It's said that Nolan's 'The Dark Knight' will explore Batman's character more deeply, with Harvey Dent becoming a key figure. But has he forgotten the disaster Two-Face was in 'Batman Forever'? It won't be easy to dig out depth from the comics. Xu Can has had only two successful movies so far—perhaps the 'Dark Knight' trilogy will teach him a lesson..."
Amid the controversy, Nolan's first Batman film, "Batman Begins," premiered.
Xu Can, as one of the film's screenwriters and producers, did not attend the premiere as he was busy filming "Iron Man." Nolan attended with Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and other big names, all excited to present this Batman reboot to fans and the media.
[Produced by Warner Bros. Pictures]
[DC Comics]
[Co-produced by Galaxy Entertainment]
[Co-producer Xu Can]
[Directed by Christopher Nolan]
[Co-written by Jonathan Nolan/Xu Can]
"What are your fears?"
"Give me all your money and jewelry…"
"Don't do anything stupid!" Bang!
The familiar origin story unfolded: Bruce Wayne's parents were gunned down by a robber in a dark alley. Nolan employed his signature fragmented narrative, beginning with Bruce Wayne meeting Ra's al Ghul, then flashing back to his childhood nightmare.
To understand criminal psychology and eradicate crime at its roots, Bruce Wayne abandoned his billionaire lifestyle and traveled the world, infiltrating criminal organizations across various countries. Eventually, in a prison in Asia, he met Ra's al Ghul and completed his training with the League of Shadows.
However, due to differing philosophies, Bruce refused to kill and left the League, returning to Gotham City. Gotham had descended into chaos, with crime boss Falcone ruling with impunity. Bruce reclaimed control of Wayne Enterprises and discovered Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman, in the Applied Sciences division, who provided him with cutting-edge equipment.
This included Kevlar body armor, gliding fabric, and a redesigned Batmobile—an instant audience favorite.
When the Batmobile, built with real materials based on Hummer and Lamborghini designs, appeared on screen, the audience erupted in excitement. Unlike the sleek, traditional Batmobile, Nolan's version was rugged and realistic.
Nolan revealed in an interview that Xu Can had sketched the Batmobile's design on a tissue. Nolan was so impressed that he framed the tissue as a keepsake. Christian Bale, who played Batman, desperately wanted the Batmobile but was disappointed to learn that Nolan had promised it to Xu Can.
The film continued with Bruce Wayne crafting the Batsuit using the Kevlar armor. Unlike previous Batman films, Nolan's take was grounded in realism, making everything from the suit to the Batmobile feel authentic.
Batman's first mission was to capture Falcone, whom he left tied to a searchlight for the police. His attempt to further clean up Gotham was thwarted by Scarecrow, a new villain. In a thrilling car chase scene, Batman evaded the police in the Batmobile—an entirely practical sequence shot without CGI, adding to the film's intensity.
Scarecrow, however, had already laced Gotham's water supply with a fear-inducing toxin. Batman, nearly defeated by Ra's al Ghul, narrowly escaped death thanks to Alfred. In the climactic battle, Batman faced Ra's al Ghul on Gotham's light rail system, ultimately saving the city as the rail crashed and exploded.
With Gotham seemingly safe, Bruce Wayne was caught off guard by Commissioner Gordon's ominous words about a new criminal:
"Armed robbery, arson… and he leaves a calling card at every crime scene."
Bruce flipped the card—it was a Joker card.
The film ended, leaving fans buzzing with excitement for the sequel and the prospect of Xu Can's Joker.
During the credits, a final Easter egg appeared: a pale, strange face with a bloody, twisted smile—Xu Can's Joker, setting the stage for the next film.
The theater erupted in applause, much of it for the post-credits scene, as the audience eagerly anticipated the next installment, "The Dark Knight."
In a media interview after the screening, reporters grilled Nolan about the sequel. Nolan, clearly feeling the pressure, reassured them:
"'The Dark Knight' will not be delayed and will release this Christmas as planned."
The applause continued, with everyone confident that the next film would be even better.
After the premiere, Christian Bale called Xu Can to share the good news.
"Xu, it looks like we don't have to worry—the movie was a hit."
"I wasn't worried; it was you who was nervous," Xu Can replied.
Bale, feeling overshadowed by the excitement surrounding Xu Can's Joker, half-jokingly complained, "Everyone's talking about you—you stole the show."
Xu Can reassured him, "By the time we get to the third part, you won't have anything to worry about. Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy will be stealing the spotlight."
"Seriously?" Bale sighed, unable to help but laugh.
"Batman Begins" opened with a $52 million box office debut, ranking sixth in the 2007 first-weekend box office, behind "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "John Wick," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," "Transformers," and "The Twilight Saga." On IMDb, it scored an 8.7/10, surpassing Tim Burton's old Batman films. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it an 84% fresh rating.
While not the highest-grossing film, "Batman Begins" successfully rebooted the Batman franchise. It was expected to gross around $400 million, ensuring a return on investment and a small profit. However, Warner Bros.' focus was already on the next film, "The Dark Knight."
With "Batman Begins" now in theaters, Xu Can was more than halfway through filming "Iron Man." His meticulous directing style significantly sped up the production process, with actors like Donnie, Pepper, and the rest of the cast delivering outstanding performances under his guidance. If post-production was fast enough, "Iron Man" might even be released in 2007.
Meanwhile, Taylor Swift's North American tour had just ended, and she returned to Los Santos exhausted and seriously ill. During a break from filming, Xu Can took half a day off to visit her. When Swift opened the door to her apartment, she looked fragile and pitiful. After more than two months apart, Xu Can couldn't help but embrace her.
Swift, already thin, now felt even more delicate as she leaned weakly on Xu Can. She rested her chin on his shoulder, but soon felt herself being lifted into the air.
"What are you doing?" she exclaimed, suddenly wide awake.
At 1.8 meters tall, Swift was like a little girl as Xu Can carried her to the bedroom. Gently, he laid her down and tucked her in.
"Stay put. Have you eaten today?" Xu Can asked.
Swift shook her head, looking like a little girl. "I'll get you something to eat," he said, checking her forehead for a fever before heading to the kitchen. Finding nothing in the fridge, he called Vanessa to help buy ingredients from a Chinese supermarket.
"Millet, red dates, pumpkin, eggs, and chicken?" Vanessa asked, confused by the list.
Soon, Xu Can prepared a pot of red date, millet, and pumpkin porridge, along with chicken soup in another pot. The aroma filled the air.
As he served Swift the porridge and cared for her, Vanessa, who had always maintained a calm demeanor, felt a pang of envy—not for Swift's album sales or fame, but for the man she had met.
Through the crack in the door, Vanessa saw Swift's surprised smile and the way she looked at Xu Can with admiration.
The porridge in Vanessa's hand suddenly seemed a little less sweet.
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